Physical Therapist

Since physical therapy is a profession associated with health care, it is for those who genuinely wish to help people maximize their quality of life. Attributes required for this career include patience, understanding and compassion. An interest in human anatomy and a passion for sports science is the essence of this profession. A physical therapist must be sensitive to both physical and emotional disabilities of his patients. It is essential for physical therapists to connect with patients, be able to handle their anger and frustration and offer them motivation and self-determination. This career also demands physical fitness, because it involves plenty of manual work. Individuals must demonstrate a hands-on approach to solving problems and dealing with situations.

A physiotherapist works with patients with impairments, injuries or disabilities and helps rehabilitate them by building strength, restoring function, improving mobility & preventing further limitations. They also boost morale and uplift the spirit of their patients by providing hope for independence.

Patients who require the services of physiotherapists suffer from a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders caused by either disease, accidents, or ageing. Typical cases that a physiotherapist attends to are people with arthritis, fractures, head injuries, cerebral palsy, and accident victims. Specialization areas range from cardiopulmonary, sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological and orthopedic physiotherapy among others.

The role of a physiotherapist includes examination & evaluation, reaching a diagnosis and then providing appropriate treatment or intervention- some of which are manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, hot & cold compresses, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Techniques that need to be learnt include massage, stretching, traction, soft tissue manipulation, acupuncture and joint release. Therapy may also require the usage of equipment like T.E.N.S. machines and ultrasound devices.

Physiotherapists also teach patients how to use supportive devices like walking sticks, calipers, crutches, wheelchairs or prostheses. Their aim is to relieve pain, improve balance, motion, coordination & flexibility with the overall goal being to prevent disability and promote health.

In the UK, a newly qualified physiotherapist can expect to start on a salary of around £19,000 to £24,000 per year. Specialists, and commonly sports physiotherapists, earn around £26,000 - £38,000 per year. Highly qualified therapists can earn up to £52,000 per annum.

In India, In a central government hospital, an entry-level physiotherapist’s take-home pay is about Rs.25,000- Rs. 30,000 a month. A professor of physiotherapy in a government teaching hospital would draw about Rs. 60,000- Rs. 70,000 a month. The entry-level salary in the private sector is about Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 a month

A day in the life of a physiotherapist will include taking patients’ histories and examining them, testing their range of motion, motor function, balance & coordination, reaching a diagnosis and developing treatment plans. A physiotherapist offers services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools etc. That being said, a physiotherapist will always have his own treatment room which may contain a desk for administrative processes and a table or couch where the patient lies or sits during treatment.

Working hours may vary according to the shifts- an early shift may be from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. while a late shift may be from noon to 8 P.M. This job involves working with all types of people- elderly, children, those with particular syndromes and hence requires different approaches to problem solving.

The work may also require communication and teamwork with other professionals like doctors, nurses, social workers, speech-language therapists & trainers. Also, physiotherapists spend some of their time on wearisome paperwork- from writing letters, filing progress reports and filling out insurance claim forms.

A science background in high school/college is preferred after which a bachelor’s in science (BSc.) in Physiotherapy or a master’s or doctoral degree from a graduate program is necessary. Courses like Biology, Chemistry, Physics and specialized courses like Neuroanatomy, Kinesiology, and Biomechanics are prerequisites for such a program. Any work experience with the elderly or needy, for example with charity organizations or NGOs, will be a plus point in your application.

In the U.S., graduates must take state licensing exams to be able to practice. In order to preserve their license, they may be required to attend several workshops and receive continuing education.

Being able to tackle different situations and interacting with different people makes this job less monotonous. Physiotherapists get to help people overcome their problems and give them hope for a better future. There is a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

You can work full time, part time, have other jobs on the side, take breaks and return to work after a few years. There is a high earning potential in this career, especially in today’s times when the rate of disabilities is increasing drastically.

Physiotherapists are often subjected to the client’s anger and frustration especially when they are not motivated enough. Therefore, the job may be emotionally draining and depressing. The job may be physically demanding as well. Repetitive movements and awkward postures may lead to soreness and musculoskeletal problems.

Getting work set up in the private sector may be time consuming & expensive- because of rent, labor, and other administrative costs.

The job outlook for physiotherapists is excellent because the healthcare industry is constantly expanding. This occupation is projected to grow faster than other occupations requiring at least a master's degree. The NHS is the biggest employer of physiotherapists in the UK. Ranking second, the private health care sector which includes clinics, sports centers and rehabilitation facilities employ many physiotherapists.

Physical therapists held about 185,500 jobs in the U.S. in 2008. About 60% of physical therapists were employed in hospitals or had a private practice. Some physical therapists held two or more jobs. Employment opportunities are especially bright in third world or developing countries that lack in such trained professionals.

Many countries require the services of physical therapists. Opportunities are vast in Europe, USA, New Zealand, Canada, and even in developing countries of the Gulf, Sri Lanka, and India.

Study science in Class 11 and 12. After this, go for a bachelor’s in physiotherapy/ physical therapy. Depending on your interest and career goals, you can do a specialisation at the postgraduate level. A PhD brightens career prospects in teaching-hospitals. While there is no national regulatory body for physiotherapy, like it exists for doctors, as yet, in certain parts of the country including Maharashtra and Delhi, physiotherapists need to register with a council to be able to practise there. In the national capital, physiotherapists have to register with the Delhi Council for Physiotherapy